Forget the over-the-top ballroom bash (we’re gently bowing out of the chicken-or-fish debate, if you don’t mind). The era of the micro wedding is here, and it’s dishing out warmth, charm, and moments that will stay with you long after the last toast.

Think smaller guest lists, bigger moments, and the kind of personal touches that make your heart do a little happy dance.

And here’s the real magic: when your wedding party is more inner circle than crowd, suddenly those dreamy restaurant venues you once reserved for date nights and anniversaries—like that cozy neighborhood steakhouse or candlelit bistro—are yours for the taking. Picture this: passing plates of sizzling ribeyes, clinking glasses of deep reds, and sharing toasts that don’t require a microphone. Intimate means you can gather your nearest and dearest around one long table and turn “just dinner” into “the best night of our lives.”

Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you. The brilliant minds at AE Events in Boston just cooked up a Bridgerton-after-dark styled shoot that’s dripping in late-night glamour and romance. It’s proof that less really is more—and a micro wedding doesn’t mean smaller dreams.

Ready to trade the ballroom for something that feels more like a dinner party with a side of forever? Let’s dive into the details that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about weddings, offering a peek into the magic of small weddings and the endless potential they hold.

“We wanted to create a moody, late-night atmosphere,” says Phoebe Allen, Creative Director at AE Events. “The venue itself was so beautiful and sumptuous, it was the perfect canvas. The Bridgerton theme added a romantic and moody vibe, and inspired us to incorporate vintage touches, like those classic photos you might find tucked away in an old estate. Even something like the pasta scene got an elegant, yet playful twist.”

A Venue with a Story

The setting for this shoot was Prima Boston Italian Steakhouse, which is steeped in grandeur and history. The primary dining room boasts an eye-catching, restored grand bar and dining area overlooking the verdant City Square Park. Picture historic charm meets contemporary elegance featuring turn-of-the-century subway tiles, reclaimed wood paneling, hand-carved details, and gleaming white marble tabletops, all washed in soft, inviting light.

But that’s not all. Prima also offers some spectacular private spaces. The Rose Room is pure drama, with a tea rose marble fireplace, a dedicated cocktail bar, and even a Prosecco concierge (yes, please!). And the Park Room? It has a grandiose, atrium-inspired dining room, a private bar, a separate VIP entrance, and plush velvet seating, colorful florals, and a crystal chandelier. Talk about a charming setting!

Dream Team of Vendors

This Bridgerton-esque dream came together thanks to an incredibly talented group of vendors. AE Events managed the event planning and design, setting the stage for an intimate and captivating celebration. Prima Italian Steakhouse offered the venue and delectable food and drinks, (think Veal Prime Ribs, Rack of Lamb, Ribeye, Pizette, Meatballs, Smoked Tomato Bruschetta, Ziti Bolognese and martinis), while Gabby Riggieri perfectly captured the mood through her photography. Sweet Talk Floral filled the space with arresting blooms, and Honest Event Rentals and Something Vintage Rentals provided the elegant vintage rentals.

Furthermore, Alexandra Kohout worked her magic with hair and makeup, and Goods Gang created bespoke print work, including unique cloth linen invitations. The decadent cake, a masterpiece of Capo Restaurant & Supper Club, was almost too pretty to eat (almost!). Lady Sycamore provided a simple yet chic dress, paired with ribbon shaped earrings from A.B. Ellie, and Giblees Clothing dressed the male model in sophisticated style. Models Carlos and Lauren Samoska perfectly embodied the spirit of the shoot, and Emily Gallardo Calligraphy added the final touch of elegance with beautiful table number calligraphy.

“Bringing this vision to life was such a smooth process,” Phoebe Allen shared. “Collaborating with our vendor partners to develop and execute these ideas was a joy. Print played a huge role in realizing the vision. The custom cloth linen invitations, created with Katrina at Goods Gang, were a standout – so unique and tactile.”

Dinner-party Style Weddings

In addition to the visually arresting aesthetics, the shoot showcases a larger trend—the rise of intimate, dinner party-style weddings. It exhibits how couples are increasingly focusing on small celebrations for meaningful connections and personalized experiences over large, traditional affairs. Intimate weddings offer couples an opportunity to connect with each guest, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. They also allow for more flexibility in terms of budget and venue, opening up a world of possibilities. 

Recreate the Magic

So, how can you create a similar ambiance for your own intimate wedding? Phoebe’s advice is spot on: “The key is to fully commit to your theme. Don't overthink the individual elements. If you love each piece of the design on its own, the overall vision will come together beautifully in the end.” We couldn't agree more

There’s something special about a wedding where every guest feels like family. Cozy, elegant, and designed for real connection, intimate dinner-party weddings are here to stay—and Prima Boston is the perfect setting. Find more restaurant venue spaces that are good for groups and gatherings in the marketplace ->

Credits:

• Event Planning and Design: AE Events
• Venue/Food: Prima Boston
• Photography: Gabriella Riggieri
• Floral: Sweet Talk Floral
• Rentals: Honest Event Rentals and Something Vintage Rentals
• Hair and Makeup: @alexandramakeupartistry
• Print: Goods Gang
• Cake: Cakes by Capo Supper Club
• Dress: Lady Sycamore Bridal, The Law Bridal & Earrings A.B. Ellie
• Male Attire: Giblees
• Male Model: @i_killed_mufasa_
• Female Model: @lousamoska
• Table Number Calligraphy: Emily Gallardo Calligraphy